Follow-up Question re: Damper Block-Off Plate

[daninohio]

You may remember my questions about the Jotul insert last week.

To recap, when I asked about the liner, the dealer said it was uninsulated 316 and that he just used a top plate to seal the system.

You all heartily recommended using a damper block-off plate down below as well.

I stopped back in their shop today to ask if there would be any problem installing a damper block-off plate and how much that would cost. They said it would be no problem and would probably cost about $45 or so. As we talked about it though, he mentioned this time that they include insulation down below around the damper -- so he said the function of the damper plate is covered by the insulation. I don't know what exact type of insulation they use.

So my question is whether I need to insist on a damper block-off plate or if the insulation is sufficient?

Many thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Shane]

Edited.... You should insist that the metal block off plate be used. It is the best method and is the method outlined in NFPA211. I apologize if the previous post was interpreted to advocate insulation block off plates.

 

[webbie]

You may remember my questions about the Jotul insert last week.

To recap, when I asked about the liner, the dealer said it was uninsulated 316 and that he just used a top plate to seal the system.

You all heartily recommended using a damper block-off plate down below as well.

I stopped back in their shop today to ask if there would be any problem installing a damper block-off plate and how much that would cost. They said it would be no problem and would probably cost about $45 or so. As we talked about it though, he mentioned this time that they include insulation down below around the damper -- so he said the function of the damper plate is covered by the insulation. I don't know what exact type of insulation they use.

So my question is whether I need to insist on a damper block-off plate or if the insulation is sufficient?

Many thanks in advance for the help.

Although the insulation may partially do the job, keep this in mind:

1. Insulation is not designed to stop air flow, just heat.
2. Most insulation releases fibers on a constant basis unless closed in.

#2 might be fine if you have an insert, but if it is a stove you are best with a metal plate as close as possible to the level plane about 2" up from the bottom of the lintel that hold the front bricks up.

See this article